6 dead after US KC-135 refueling aircraft goes down in western Iraq
Six service members tragically lost their lives when their refueling aircraft crashed in friendly airspace in western Iraq, as confirmed by U.S. Central Command. The incident occurred on March 12 during Operation Epic Fury.
The KC-135 refueling aircraft went down at around 2 p.m. ET on Thursday while flying over friendly territory. General Dan Caine stated that the crash is being treated as an active rescue and recovery mission. The crew was on a combat mission at the time of the incident, which was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.
CENTCOM announced that all six crew members aboard the aircraft were confirmed deceased. Four airmen have been recovered, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The identities of the service members who perished in the crash will be withheld until next of kin have been notified.
The aircraft involved in the incident was a KC-135 tanker, and the circumstances surrounding the crash are currently under investigation. It was also revealed that KC-135 aircraft do not have parachutes or ejection seats, as they are primarily equipped in fighter aircraft.
According to a 2008 Air Force profile, the decision to remove parachutes from KC-135 crews was based on the rarity of mishaps involving the tankers. The likelihood of a crew member needing to use a parachute was deemed extremely low.
Passengers and crew members of KC-135s are trained on how to exit the aircraft in the event of an emergency landing on land or water. The Air Force and US Central Command are actively working on the rescue and recovery operation.
As this is a developing story, further updates will be provided as more details emerge. Please stay tuned for the latest information on this tragic incident.
(Original content source: ABC News)
